CHAPTER VII
THE TRAMP STEPS IN.
The Texan went behind the bat, determined to arouse himself and do his level best.
But Dick had lost confidence in Brad, and others on the team were worried, realizing that something was wrong.
It is strange how the playing of one man on a team often affects the whole team, either for good or for bad. In this case Buckhart’s blunder seemed to unman his companions.
Dick dared not let out his speed and use his best curves in the first inning, and as a result Spangler hit safely. Jenners drove one to Bradley, which Billy fumbled, and then Swarton lifted a long fly to left field.
“Just like batting it into a basket!” shrilly shouted Obediah Tubbs. “Gardner couldn’t muff it if he tried.”
To the astonishment of every one, Earl made a rank muff, and the bases were filled.
“Ha! ha! ha!” laughed Swarton, dancing up and down on first. “Got um going! They are up in the air!”
“They never could play ball!” shouted a Rockford man.